1997 Rocks and Gravel
When we lost access to the Mourvèdre from Brandlin Ranch that had anchored our Les Côtes Sauvages wine after the '96 harvest, it was clear that blending the Grenache and Syrah without the Brandlin fruit would produce a different wine, and we were right. What we couldn't have predicted was how nicely the new blend would turn out. It's a 55% Syrah 45% Grenache blend that is quite reminiscent of similar Southern Rhône blends, yet utterly different from Les Côtes Sauvages, which is why we gave it a different name. Rocks and Gravel refers to the underlying soil types in the vineyard where the grapes grow that produced this wine. The aromas here show smoke, pepper, licorice, and wet stones (rocks & gravel?). Flavors are focussed and long, and tannins are sweet but firm, so this wine begs for a meal and it accompanies a range of dishes beautifully. Suggested retail: $18.00 |
Syrah at Durell Vineyard
Old vine Grenache, |
